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I take the point but on the other hand the last time I looked at the local specialist shop in Canberra (admittedly last year) they were selling BFC machines with rotary pumps and a bigger boiler that did not seem that much more expensive than the the vibe pump one I own. I was thinking at the time if I upgraded I would get a rotary pump machine next time. However I must admit I am not sure these pumps are as reliable as the Procon pumps on commercial machines. I have had to replace the Ulka vibe pump on my BFC machine twice in the last 10 years but I have to admit it is not that difficult to do.
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My experience is that while vibrating pumps (eg ULKA) work fine they don't seem to be as durable as quality rotary pumps. That biases me toward rotary pump machines. The noise has never worried me. Then maybe I am a bit deaf.
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I have used the QUOTE link at the bottom of the page to reach out to the sponsors. Hopefully I'll get a response soon.
Thank you all for your comments.
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As an owner of the ECM Technika with flow control I agree with all of the above. I wouldn't recommend having the valve installed at purchase though, it's not for everyone. Get to know your machine first, establish a workflow, then if you feel the urge to experiment with profiling further down the track it's a 5 minute job to screw one on. Mine came from Jetblack and they were a pleasure to deal with. If you do end up going down the profiling path make sure you've got a capable grinder, especially if you're using aftermarket baskets (VST, etc.). Oh and don't pay any attention to the thread on here complaining about the machine's steaming capability. There is no need to replace the standard tip or crank up the PID, you just need to practice and adjust your technique to suit the machine. It makes perfectly textured milk once you have it worked out.
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Since someone earlier thought I wasn't being helpful, let me now resume with a more appropriate tone. ?
1) If you are thinking about machines with an E61 group, be sure that you understand the maintenance requirements. Plenty of info on this on CS.
2) Also, with machines of the calibre under consideration, you will also want to pay attention to your water quality. The main concerns would be hardness (propensity for scale build-up) and chlorides (of concern for stainless steel boilers vis a vis corrosion). In this issue, I think you need to read widely and draw your own conclusions based on your specific locality and context.
Hope that evens the score!
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As Mal said you can make as many milk drinks in a row without waiting. I've had dinner parties making at least 10 in a row without a break. I believe rotary pumps are more reliable as well as being quieter but then again I haven't heard too many cases of failing vibration pumps. Also there are ECM dealers in Victoria so just google the models you're interested in. BTW I'm also in Vic and I've had items sent from Jetblack and their service and advise is excellent and they are a coffeesnob sponsor so they should give you a good deal. You need to check those sponsors and talk to them about your choices. Obviously breakdowns are easier to manage from a Vic dealer but then again you don't hear about too many failures from Rocket, ECM or profitec or you would be very unlucky.
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The reviews seem to note that the vibration pumps on the Profitec is extremely quiet.Originally posted by barri View PostQuiet rotary pump instead of a vibratory pump
That's my feeling too. I'm just wondering if I up my game in time, whether the heat exchanger will be adequate. And also, how many cups of frothing before it needs a break for the temperature to catch up (for those rare occasions we have guests).Originally posted by barri View PostGiven you drink mainly milk drinks I don't think you need dual boiler
The Rocket looks snazzy, maybe a bit on the yuppie side. I'm way past that age, with "classic" being a nicer term for old. I think I'm leaning towards the ECM.Originally posted by barri View PostThe ECM's are rock solid reliable and I think look classier...
The ECM seems to have gone up a couple of hundred since I last month.
I'm based in Vic. How is Jetblack in terms of warranty for interstate?
It's all good. All tongue in cheek I'm sure.Originally posted by barri View PostI would ignore that throw away comment above about staying away from internet forums..
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I would go the ECM. Quiet rotary pump instead of a vibratory pump of the others and from a personal point of view I love the joystick controls for the steam and water. Given you drink mainly milk drinks I don't think you need dual boiler as you can still pull a shot and steam at the same time. The ECM's are rock solid reliable and I think look classier then the Rocket or Profitec. If you go down the ECM path I would also suggest getting the flow control device pre installed. That opened up a whole new world of flow profiling and flavors for me. Watch the Whole Latte Love youtube videos and you'll see what I mean. Jetblack espresso can install that for you but you can of course get that later and is easy to install.
I would ignore that throw away comment above about staying away from internet forums. I've learnt so much from this site. All of my purchases have been based on information gained from this site including machines, grinders, roasters and accessories. Keep asking questions and the helpful people on this site will respond. Occasionally you get unproductive comments.
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